The history of Oji Paper began with its incorporation as Shoshi Kaisha in 1873, when Oji took the mission of pioneering the paper-making industry in Japan. Oji Paperís reputation grew rapidly and now ranks among the top ten of the world leading pulp and paper producers. Oji Paper is now recognized internationally as the world best. The mission of making the world best quality in all kinds of papers took root in Oji Paper from the beginning and has been passes on through the generations to the youngest member: Oji Label (Thailand) Ltd. The company has inherited the high standard tradition, sophisticated technology from Japan and the advantage of cost efficiency in Thailand.

Company Name:

Oji Paper Co., Ltd.

Founded:

February 12, 1873

Established:

August 1, 1949

Paid-in Capital :

103,880 billion yen (2008)

Number of Employees :

4,318 (Mar. 2008)

Major Business Lines:

Production, conversion/processing and sales of printing, writing and related papers; packaging and wrapping papers; carbonless papers; household products; containerboard and boxboard. Production and sales of such end-use products such as corrugated board and boxboard containers; paper-board containers; plastics; thermal paper; self-adhesive paper and disposable paper diapers. Production and sales of chemicals for paper making and packaging equipment. Leasing of Company's land and property. Reforestaion inside Japan and overseas; maintenance of Company owned forests.

The history of Oji Paper began with its incorporation as Shoshi Kaisha in 1873, when Oji took the mission of pioneering the paper-making industry in Japan. Oji Paperís reputation grew rapidly and now ranks among the top ten of the world leading pulp and paper producers. Oji Paper is now recognized internationally as the world best. The mission of making the world best quality in all kinds of papers took root in Oji Paper from the beginning and has been passes on through the generations to the youngest member: Oji Label (Thailand) Ltd. The company has inherited the high standard tradition, sophisticated technology from Japan and the advantage of cost efficiency in Thailand.

- The history of Oji Paper goes hand in hand with the history of Japanís modern papermaking industry.

Japan's modern papermaking began in 1873, in Oji-mura.

However, before that, the country acquired its traditional techniques from China, a process that resulted in washi, or Japanese paper. During the Edo Period papermaking, coupled with woodblock printing, achieved a very respectable level, and even included the use of recycled paper called "shukushi." However, it was difficult to produce washi in large quantities. To make paper in volumes suitable for large-scale printing, we needed to turn to Western technology.

Ei-ichi Shibusawa experienced Western culture for the first time when he visited Europe as part of the entourage of Tokugawa Akitake. Subsequently, he worked to establish a papermaking company "for the country and community," and in 1873, he launched his own manufacturing company. Twenty years later, the company was renamed Oji Paper in honor of the place of its founding. In 1933, Oji Paper merged with Fuji Paper and Karafuto Industries, developing into a corporation that produced 80 percent of Japan's Western-style paper.

The Excess Economic Powers Decentralization Act was implemented following World War II, dividing the company into three components: Tomakomai Paper, Jujo Paper, and Honshu Paper. Tomakomai began as a one-plant operation, but upon its expansion into Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture in 1952, the company was renamed Oji Paper Industries, and in 1960, it became Oji Paper. Eventually, the company merged with Kita Nippon Paper, Nippon Pulp Industries, and Toyo Pulp. In 1993, Oji Paper merged with Kanzaki Paper to become New Oji Paper, and furthermore, in 1996, New Oji Paper and Honshu Paper merged to become Oji Paper. Today, we are one of the largest and most influential paper manufacturers in the world

We, the people and employees of Oji Paper, continue our dedication to culture and the environment. With that as a guiding principle in all our activities, we are striving to become one of the world's most effective recycling industries. The 21st century will see us achieve that goal.

Ei-ichi Shibusawa (1840-1931)

Born in Haruna County, Musashi Country (now the city of Fukaya), Ei-ichi Shibusawa was 25 when he entered service to Tokugawa Yoshinobu. He visited Europe in 1867. Two years after his return to Japan, he served in such positions as Assistant to the Finance Minister. He left public service in 1873 and became a leader in the Japanese business community during the Meiji Period, as well as Taisho and Showa eras, amply demonstrating his skills and dignity of character.

1998 : Oji Paper Group sets corporate philosophy based on "Contribute to protection of the environment and advancedculture," "Strive for continuous innovation in a proactive, responsive and determined manner," and "Build andmaintain trust throughout the world."

2002 : Oji integrates production-sales of containerboard. Oji Specialty Paper (Shanghai) is established in China. Oji Paper Nepia (Suzhou) is established in China. Suzho Oji Packaging is established in China.

2003 : Oji Nepia is established. Oji Label (Thailand) is established in Thailand